Giannis Antetokounmpo steps in to help Lakers rookie

RC Nazemi

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Giannis Antetokounmpo steps in to help Lakers rookie image

Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Tonight, the Los Angeles Lakers (10-4) took on the Milwaukee Bucks (8-6) on the second night of a back-to-back. After having a bit of a rough road trip, the Lakers were able to secure quite a solid victory. 

The Lakers went into halftime up 65-34, and although the Bucks brought it closer throughout the second half, the Lakers never opened the door back up. The final score was 119-95. 

With the game being a bit of a blowout for most of the duration, it gave the Lakers an opportunity to play guys that they're not typically able to give minutes to. One of those players being Lakers rookie Adou Thiero. 

When Thiero accomplished a massive milestone for any NBA player, Giannis was sure to make sure he got his due. 

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Giannis secures a special moment for Thiero 

In the 4th quarter of tonight's game, Thiero got his turn to realize his NBA dream on the court. 

After a foul under the basket, Thiero had the opportunity to score his first NBA points at the line. He hit both free throws, establishing his first registered statistics in his young career. The Lakers' bench was thrilled to see it, too. 

As a special moment, Jarred Vanderbilt attempted to secure the ball for Thiero as a moment to commemorate a massive milestone. The head official was not having it. 

After a back-and-forth where Vanderbilt refused to give the ball up, eventually the ref won and handed the ball to a Bucks staff member. Thiero would be without his 'first point' ball if it weren't for Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

Giannis went out of his way to grab the ball from the staffer and hand it over to the Lakers. He, of anyone, would understand this conundrum. 

During a game in December of 2023 against the Indiana Pacers, Antetokounmpo scored a career high 64 points and had a similar situation. He had to fight to retain his game ball. 

Seeing a rookie about to experience the loss of a special moment like that, he was sure to step in. Maybe it was just a future 2027 free agent looking out for his future teammate. 

 

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Contributing Writer